Hue Jackson disappointed in Johnny Manziel, still evaluating QB’s future
Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson told ESPN Cleveland radio Tuesday that he was disappointed to learn of Johnny Manziel’s most recent incidence of alleged misconduct, but that he still has not made a decision on Manziel’s status in Cleveland.
“My general reaction would be disappointment,” Jackson said on ESPN Cleveland 850’s Hey Tony show. “As I’ve said many times, I would like for the Cleveland Browns players to conduct themselves in a manner that represents the organization well. Obviously, that reflected differently on what we want to have happen. Obviously, it’s a process that we’re going through and we’ll continue to go through it.”
Police are investigating a dispute between Manziel and his ex-girlfriend that involved a “possible assault” on Saturday in Texas. Police were involved in another altercation between Manziel and then-girlfriend Colleen Crowley in October, though it is unclear if Crowley was the woman involved in Saturday’s incident as well. Manziel was not arrested after either dispute.
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Additionally, multiple videos of Manziel partying were made public throughout the season, which concerned the team in light of the 73 days he spent in a rehabilitation center last year. He was also fined by the team for missing concussion treatment sessions, instead allegedly opting to gamble in a Las Vegas casino.
Last week, before the latest incident, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said he believed Manziel and the team could salvage their relationship, but noted that the decision on whether to keep or cut him would be left to Jackson and Sashi Brown, Browns vice president of football operations.
“I think I’m getting more and more where I need to be as far as our team, exactly who they are,” Jackson told ESPN. “Obviously, as I’ve said from Day One, I’m going to continue to evaluate Johnny, just as I would any member of this football team. Obviously, there’s other circumstances that you also have to evaluate when you’re considering putting everything in the pot to make decisions as you move forward.
“But again, he’s no different than any other player. We’re going to continue to evaluate him as a football player and as a member of this football team.”
- Erin Flynn
